Evaluate UN budgets and programmes as an AI Secretary-General

Capacity development for an inclusive science-policy interface using environmental information and knowledge systems at regional and country levels

The Capacity development for an inclusive science-policy interface using environmental information and knowledge systems at regional and country levels (Follow up to Benchmarking Assessment) project is a strategic initiative designed to enhance countries' abilities to make well-informed decisions on environmental issues by improving their environmental data management, reporting, and assessment capabilities. The need for strengthening the knowledge base to support sustainable development's environmental dimension has been emphasized during consultations with various governments. Many countries have expressed a need for technical assistance in collecting, managing, analyzing, and utilizing environmental data and information. With the increasing reporting obligations of countries, the identification of synergies can help streamline and reduce the workload required for data gathering and reporting. Moreover, the promotion of disaggregated data allows for the reporting, analysis, and in-depth utilization of environmental data, enabling the detection of differences between socio-economic indicators, including gender, age groups, and key populations. Effective collection, management, and sharing of environmental information are essential for various governance levels, this includes meeting reporting obligations, such as those related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements, the environmental aspect of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, as well as informing decision-making and planning. At the regional and subregional levels, the establishment of multisectoral and interdisciplinary environmental information networks can play a pivotal role in exchanging knowledge and lessons learned, improving data flows, enhancing the regional knowledge base for environmental reporting and assessments, and ultimately facilitating evidence-informed environmental policy-making. This project aims to boost countries capacities in making evidence-based decisions by enhancing their understanding of the environment at regional, sub-regional, and national levels. This will be achieved through improvements in environmental information management, environmental monitoring, data sharing, and the strengthening of regional and sub-regional networks focused on environmental information, reporting, and assessments. The direct contribution of the project will be reflected in three indicators for the Science Policy foundational subprogramme, and it is a vital step toward equipping countries with the tools, knowledge, and capacity to address environmental challenges through informed decision-making. With its strategic approach and alignment with UNEP's mandates, programmatic outcomes, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the project stands to address actions on the triple planetary crisis at regional, national, and ultimately global levels.